"I think (the interview) went really well, so I had a gut feeling that I was one of their options, and it worked out."

The Devils started on the clock at No. 11, and before time expired, the team agreed to trade the selection to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for the 12th overall pick and Ottawa's third-round pick, No. 80 overall. Ottawa used the 11th overall pick to select center Logan Brown.

"We felt like we were going to be able to get Mike at that pick anyways, so it was a good decision to acquire another asset," Devils coach John Hynes said. "It is a very deep draft this year, get the third round pick in this year's draft, so you get the two-for-one deal with the player you're excited about and the draft pick."

McLeod is coming off a campaign where he totaled 61 points in 57 points for the Mississauga Steelheads, going for 21 goals and 40 assists. He added three goals and six assists in seven playoff games.

The 6-2, 185-poiund forward is touted as someone who is difficult to contain, using his speed and size, plus relentless effort, to drive his offensive game.

"I think my speed and my energy, and I can play any position," McLeod said when asked about the best part of his game. "Just a strong, two-way hockey player."

McLeod was projected to be drafted in the mid to late teens, but he ended up as the 10th forward picked in the top 12, and he joined his teammate, Alexander Nylander, on the board, after Nylander was picked by the Buffalo Sabres at No. 8.

"Every pick after 10, your heart's racing," McLeod said. "I'm just happy I didn't have to wait any longer."